It's mock draft season, and the New England Patriots will soon be on the clock for real when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on April 23.
This year, the Patriots will be picking late at Pick No. 31 in the first round. Many mock drafts have echoed a few constants for the Patriots, projecting offensive tackles, edges, a tight end, and a wide receiver among their early picks. This mock is no different.
Here, the Patriots do what head coach Mike Vrabel has warned against, and that's draft for need. Any other draft principle, like a strict "best-player-available" strategy, runs the risk of having loads of players at one position and not enough to cover others. It can be a flawed strategy depending on how it’s applied.
Rather, a hybrid of what Vrabel said and what's actually necessary is the best strategy. The better approach is to draft the best player available at positions of need. That's exactly what smart NFL teams do and what this mock draft will seek to accomplish.
This draft approach could finally give Drake Maye the support he needs
Round 1, Pick No. 31: Kadyn Proctor, offensive tackle, Alabama
The Patriots have no greater need this offseason than to protect franchise quarterback Drake Maye. Maye was sacked from pillar to post in 2025, including six times in the Super Bowl. To begin the remediation, the Patriots get lucky, and a top offensive tackle unexpectedly falls to them at Pick No. 31 in the first round. It's Alabama's 6-foot-7, 352-pound massive tackle Kadyn Proctor. Fortune smiles on Mike Vrabel, Drake Maye, and the Patriots.
NFL.com cites the huge tackle's power and likes him as a right tackle — which is exactly where he would project for the Patriots.
"Proctor is a mass of humanity with rare size and length at his command. He’s capable as a move blocker but shines when rolling downhill as a bona-fide people mover with bulldozing power...When set and centered, Proctor is a roadblock to speed-to-power charges. He has a stout anchor and strong hands to stall the rush in its track. He struggles to mirror athletes in space and lacks the range to protect deeper pocket drops against speed...he still has the potential to become a good right tackle or very good guard."
Round 2, Pick No. 63: Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M
The Patriots had two aspects of their game that they had to fix this offseason above all others. One was sack prevention, and they've done that with Proctor in the first round. The other is sack production.
In the second round, they address that with Texas A&M edge defender Cashius Howell. He racked up 14.5 tackles for loss, an impressive six passes defended, and the even more critical 11.5 sacks in the best conference in college football, the SEC.
NFL.com cites the 6-foot-2, 253-pound Howell's ability to get to the passer:
"Bendy edge rusher with standout sack totals. Burst and elusiveness are on Howell’s rush menu and he pairs it with a refreshing inside spin counter. Though threatening, his rush could use more cohesive sequencing and better hand work to fully unlock its potential. As a run defender he’s frequently knocked around at the point and struggles to consistently execute tasks asked of an NFL edge-setter. Howell might not be a three-down player right away, but his ability to create pressure sets him up for a role as a designated rusher, at minimum."
Round 3, Pick No. 95: Max Klare, tight end, Ohio State
The Patriots continue a monster need-filling draft in the third round and fill another key position, tight end. With Austin Hooper moving on, the Patriots signed blocking tight end Julian Hill. But they still need an infusion of a pass-catching talent at tight end to round out the unit. They get one in the 6-foot-4, 245-pound Klare. He caught 43 passes for 448 yards and two touchdowns for the Buckeyes in 2025.
NFL.com highlights his pass-catching strengths:
"Highly athletic, pass-catching tight end capable of earning volume targets on the pro level. Klare can live beyond the typical targeted depth for most tight ends thanks to his route inventory and ability to generate separation across the field. He’s best from the slot but can widen out when a matchup presents itself. Hands and ball-tracking are below average but his production could make teams forget the drops...In a league craving impact tight ends, Klare has a chance to inject life into an offense hunting mismatches."
Round 4, Pick No. 125 (from Chicago): Beau Stephens, guard, Iowa
The Patriots need both offensive tackles and interior offensive linemen in this draft. With their first fourth-round pick acquired from Chicago, they fill the guard depth issue with the 6-foot-5, 315-pound Beau Stephens from Iowa. Stephens would provide some insurance for the oft-injured Alijah Vera-Tucker and could step in for Mike Onwenu in 2027 if the Patriots opt against another extension for the now seventh-year vet.
NFL.com likes Stephens' long-term upside:
"Stephens plays with a strong grasp for angles, tempo and timing for his block fits. He’s able to sustain and finish at a good rate despite having average play strength. ... He’s well-postured and plays with balance in pass pro. His lack of length will become more noticeable once he hits the pros, though... but Stephens has a chance to eventually become a starter if he finds the right team."
Round 4, Pick No. 131: Malachi Fields, wide receiver, Notre Dame
Having released top receiver Stefon Diggs, the hope in Patriots Nation is that a trade for true No. 1 receiver A.J. Brown of the Eagles will materialize after June 1. Meanwhile, the Patriots add to the position in this mock draft with Notre Dame's 6-foot-4, 218-pound Malachi Fields. He caught 36 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns for the Fighting Irish in 2025 and would provide another big target for Drake Maye.
NFL.com stresses his size and strength as two top assets:
"Boundary “X” receiver who uses elite size and strength to bully defensive backs. Notre Dame’s run-heavy approach and quarterback play slowed Fields’ production somewhat but his tape was filled with impressive moments. He’s best suited for an offense that allows him to get from Point A to Point B while using his frame/ball skills to dominate the work space and win in the air. He can be a slow starter versus press and lives on contested targets, but he moves the chains on tight-window throws and consistently tilts 50/50 balls in his direction outside the numbers."
Round 5, Pick No. 171, Markel Bell, offensive tackle, Miami (FL)
The Patriots needed to add serious depth to the offensive tackle position in light of Will Campbell's injury situation and Morgan Moses entering his age-35 season. In this hypothetical, they've already added a potential long-term starter in Proctor. Now they go even bigger by drafting Miami Hurricanes left tackle Markel Bell.
The 6-foot-9, 346-pound Bell with over 36-inch arms is a $100 Uber ride to get around, to paraphrase the late great draft expert, Joel Buchsbaum of Pro Football Weekly. It would be another great add by Mike Vrabel and the Patriots.
NFL.com cites his size as a key:
"Mountainous tackle with rare physical attributes that work both in his favor and against him depending on the situation. There is no escaping a high center of gravity, which will impact his ability to change direction in protection and create consistent engagement as a run blocker...He has exceptional length that he puts to good use in finding static pass rushers and offering shade to the pocket. NFL edge speed and sudden inside moves could be an evergreen issue for Bell, but with coaching he could learn to mitigate those issues with his length. He has Day 3 value but might have a firm ceiling on his upside."
There it is: a five-round Patriots mock draft that fits the team's needs like a proverbial glove. This hypothetical draft haul would help the team take a significant step forward in protecting Drake Maye, giving him additional weapons, and adding a terrific sack artist to the defense.
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